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. 2023 Aug 24;15(8):e44056. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44056

Table 1. Family planning, contraceptive methods, fertility assessment.

DMT: disease-modifying treatment, MS: multiple sclerosis, IVF: In vitro fertilization

Statements Answer (n, % agreement) Consensus reached at round
Statement 1 Do you consider that it is essential to discuss family planning issues with your patients of childbearing age at MS diagnosis? Yes (42, 97,6%)
Statement 2 Do you consider that it is essential to discuss family planning with your patients of childbearing age before choosing the first DMT? Yes (42, 97,6%)
Statement 3 Regarding the use of DMT, do you consider that it should be initiated immediately after MS diagnosis, and it should not be delayed due to a pregnancy desire? Yes (32, 74,4%)
Statement 4 When considering a DMT election for a female patient, do you think that the childbirth potential should be considered? Yes (35, 81,4%)
Statement 5 When considering a DMT election for a male patient, do you think that the childbirth potential should be considered? Not reached
Statement 6 Do you consider it helpful to recommend a fertility assessment when a woman with MS plans to become pregnant, when this choice may have therapeutic consequences? Not reached
Statement 7 In which of the following clinical circumstances might you recommend postponing pregnancy?
a.- clinical activity in the previous year. Yes 41 (95,3%)
b.- radiological activity in the previous year. Yes 33 (76,7%)
c.- in patients with high disability scores.   Not reached
d.- in patients with comorbidities   Not reached
Statement 8 Do you think that in vitro fertilization increases the risk of MS relapse? Yes (36, 83,7%)
Statement 9 Would you contraindicate IVF in a patient with MS? No (38, 90,4%)
Statement 10  Regarding the risk of inheriting MS, which of the following option do you consider more appropriate?
a.-the risk of developing MS increases slightly when only a parent has MS Not reached
b.-the risk of inheriting MS is low (2-3%)   Not reached
Statement 11 Would you advise against pregnancy in a patient with MS who has a significant chronic disability? Not reached